Alright, you guys are making me envious of your talents (a lot of beautiful work is being done). I have a background in wood (carpenter/cabinetmaker), but nothing in metal. What is the best way to get one's feet wet? Can it be done on the cheap (under a couple hundred bucks)? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm proof it can be done on the cheap.  Get a copy of Wayne Goddard's $50.00 knive shop-fantastic book with a LOT of great information.  One of the best things I did was to find others who could help me along.  One guy on here actually put me up for a weekend and taught me the basics of forging and we made my first knife.  But be ware-it's one heck of an addiction once you get going.

Jeremy

That couple of hundred  buck start turns into an expensive addiction.  You can build a one brick forge for under $100 including the torch.  You can build a post anvil out of scrap steel for $100.  If your careful 5 gallon buckets can be your quench tanks.  So a very basic shop can be done cheap.  You make most of your own tools like tongs.  One 2.5 lb hammer or sledge will work for most forging for a beginner.  Don't let money stop you.  Just buy tools and equipment as you can afford them.

All good advice here.

Dont forget to spend some money or time on your most important tool for knifemaking, your mind. Get some training to cover the basics. Goddard's book is good or attend a hammer in, or both. Early successes will be encouraging and encouragement is important at that stage.

Lots of good information, advice, and encouragement found here.  A great resource for sure.

Of course the internet is endless.

Ask and ye shall receive!

Steve
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Potomac Forge

Thanks guys, for pointing me in the right direction.